Edinson Cavani grabbed his first goals for Valencia in a 2-2 draw with Elche on Saturday, and joined an elite group of South American stars in the process.

The 35-year-old Uruguay striker netted a 41st-minute penalty followed by a stoppage-time header for a quickfire double late in the first half of the LaLiga game at Mestalla.

It gave Valencia a 2-1 lead, but they were pegged back by Pere Milla's second goal of the game midway through the second half.

Cavani became the fifth South American player in the 21st century to score in four of the top five European leagues, Opta stated.

He followed Alexis Sanchez, James Rodríguez, Philippe Coutinho and Angel Di Maria into that exclusive club.

Cavani has netted in Serie A for Palermo and Napoli, in Ligue 1 for Paris Saint-Germain, where he is the club's record scorer, and in the Premier League for Manchester United. He has not yet played in the Bundesliga.

The goals against Elche came in Cavani's fourth game for Valencia, having joined the club in August after his United contract expired.

Manchester United footballer Mason Greenwood has been charged with offences including attempted rape and assault, the Crown Prosecution Service said.

The 21-year-old forward, who has one senior England cap, will appear at Greater Manchester magistrates' court on Monday.

The charges each relate to the same complainant, the CPS said.

Janet Potter, deputy chief crown prosecutor for CPS North West, said in a statement: "The Crown Prosecution Service has today authorised Greater Manchester Police to charge Mason Greenwood, 21, with attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

"All three counts relate to the same complainant. Specialist rape prosecutors from CPS North West's complex casework unit authorised the charges following a review of a file of evidence received from Greater Manchester Police.

"The defendant's first court appearance will take place on Monday 17 October at Greater Manchester magistrates' court.

"The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against the defendant are active and that he has a right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice those proceedings."

Greenwood was first arrested in January and subsequently released on bail.

Mason Greenwood has been arrested over an alleged breach of his bail conditions.

The Manchester United forward was arrested in January on suspicion of rape and assault. He was also questioned on suspicion of making threats to kill.

Greenwood was suspended from playing or training with United shortly after the allegations emerged on social media.

The England international was subsequently released on conditional bail, which was extended in April and then again in June.

Stats Perform understands Greenwood was arrested at his home in Bowdon, Greater Manchester, following an alleged breach of his bail conditions.

In a statement provided to Stats Perform, Greater Manchester Police said they were "aware of an allegation regarding a 21-year-old man breaching his bail conditions and an arrest has been made on Saturday 15 October 2022".

The statement concluded: "Enquiries are ongoing at this time."

"Super proud" David de Gea says it is "crazy" to be preparing to make his 500th Manchester United appearance.

The goalkeeper will reach the milestone should he be named in the starting line-up when Erik ten Hag's side welcome Newcastle United to Old Trafford on Sunday.

De Gea will be presented with an engraved plate this weekend to commemorate the landmark, while he will also wear a pair of specially designed gloves for the Magpies showdown. 

The Spain international, who joined United from Atletico Madrid in June 2011, will become the 11th player to appear 500 or more times for the Red Devils after Ryan Giggs, Sir Bobby Charlton, Paul Scholes, Bill Foulkes, Gary Neville, Wayne Rooney, Alex Stepney, Tony Dunne, Denis Irwin and Joe Spence - and only the second goalkeeper after Stepney.

De Gea expressed his great pride at hitting the 500 mark for the Red Devils, but the 31-year-old believes the achievement will only properly sink in after he hangs up his boots.

"I think it's something crazy. To play 500 games for this club is very special for me, of course," he told the official club website.

"But probably, I will realise more when I stop playing football, when I retire and then look back and say 'okay, I played more than 500 games for a massive club like United.' I'm super proud, and it's amazing, to be honest.

"Just to be part of this club is massive and it's so difficult to get here, so it's a dream to be here and already play as much as I've played. It's unbelievable."

Reports have surfaced that Joao Felix is unhappy at Atletico Madrid having fallen out of favour in recent games.

Atletico have reportedly moved to reiterate that they do not want to sell the Portuguese, who it is claimed has requested a January move.

Joao Felix joined the Colchoneros on a seven-year deal in 2019 from Benfica for a fee of €126 million.

 

TOP STORY – PSG AND BARCA KEEN ON JOAO FELIX

Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona are both considering moves to sign wantaway Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix.

AS claims PSG are weighing up a move for the 22-year-old as they make plans for the potential departure of Lionel Messi at the end of this season.

El Nacional reports that Barcelona are in the race for the Portuguese too, as they fear Ousmane Dembele will exit. A Bola has also linked Manchester United with Joao Felix.

 

ROUND-UP

Barcelona want to sell Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong in the near future to raise funds to invest in the squad according to Sport. De Jong was linked with Manchester United over the off-season.

– The same Sport report claims that Barcelona are set to release long-term duo Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba to free up funds too.

Real Madrid are targeting Bayern Munich's Canada international Alphonso Davies, claims Marca. Los Blancos are eager to bolster their left-back options and are monitoring Davies.

Inter are looking to sign on-loan Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku permanently, while the Nerazzurri are also interested in Everton's Yerry Mina claims Calciomercato.

–​ Barcelona will rival Real Madrid in pursuit of Inter's Italy international forward Nicolo Barella, reports Calciomercatoweb.

–​ Newcastle United are keen to lock down Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimaraes on a new long-term deal before the end of this season, reports 90min.

Eddie Howe is not focusing on the possibility of Newcastle United making a "statement" by beating Manchester United or Tottenham over the next 10 days.

Newcastle head into this weekend sixth in the Premier League, just a point and a place behind next opponents United.

The Magpies follow up Sunday's match at Old Trafford by playing Everton at home in midweek and then, the following Sunday, visiting Tottenham, who are six points better off in third.

Since Howe's first match in charge last November, a resurgent Newcastle have earned 58 points to United's 56 – albeit having played a game more.

That has encouraged talk of a top-six finish this season, but Arsenal are the only 'big six' team they have beaten in that time, meaning Howe was asked on Friday if he needed a "statement" win to be taken seriously as European contenders.

"I'm not looking for statement wins. I'm just looking for wins," he replied. "I'm just looking to try to win our next game.

"I always let you guys [the media] do your job, but my focus has to be day to day and week to week, and that's what it will be."

He added: "There will be a lot of opinion and a lot of predicting of the future, and we can't get involved in that.

"It's a waste of my energy and the team's energy. Let's just focus on the next match."

Another question put to Howe pondered whether Newcastle now had "the best Bruno in the Premier League", as Bruno Guimaraes takes on Bruno Fernandes for the first time.

Guimaraes was signed after Newcastle's last meeting with United last December, debuting at the start of February.

Since then, he has scored seven goals and assisted two in 23 matches, while Fernandes, from the same number of games and playing in a more advanced role, has only six goal involvements.

"I think Bruno Fernandes is a fantastic player," Howe said. "I think they've actually got a lot of similarities to their games. I think technically they're very good.

"Maybe Bruno Fernandes plays a little bit higher up the pitch, but Bruno, our Bruno, can do exactly the same. He's got the versatility of playing deeper.

"They're two great technicians, and I enjoy watching both of them play."

Diogo Dalot believes the underlying spirit shown in Manchester United's dramatic 1-0 win over Omonia Nicosia promises to take them far as a team.

United looked destined to be frustrated by their visitors in Thursday's Europa League clash at Old Trafford, but the hosts eventually scored with their 34th shot.

Scott McTominay dealt the decisive blow after Omonia goalkeeper Francis Uzoho had performed admirably to keep the game goalless.

With his goal, McTominay became the first substitute to score a winning goal in the 90th minute or later in a European match for United since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the 1999 Champions League final.

Like Solskjaer on that occasion, McTominay came off the bench to net his winner, and Dalot felt that reflected well on United's depth and the strength of character that runs through the squad.

"I think that this is what will take us to places," he said.

"Be a squad as a full, not just 11 or 12, 13 players, be a complete squad and I think everyone feels that they can get a chance if they work hard, if they fight for it.

"I think this competition is healthy for everyone – especially us as players. It always improves us and I think, as a squad, it's the best that you can have."

He added: "We had to be patient. We created – I don't know how many chances we created – but I think we could be a little bit more clinical, but I think we deserved it at the end, the goal.

"When that happens I think it has to come out the patience to not be frustrated because you see the time going and going and you don't score a goal, but I think we did well.

"We kept patience, especially around their box. Like I said, we could be a little bit more clinical but, at the end, I think we deserved the goal and the three points."

Dalot's analysis of United not being clinical enough was highlighted by the fact their one goal came from 4.3 expected goals (xG).

That was only the second time since 2010 that United recorded more than 4.0 xG (excluding penalties) in a single match, and yet they still only scraped by.

Nevertheless, it was also an eighth win in 10 matches across all competitions, with those two blemishes coming against Manchester City and Real Sociedad.

That demolition by City aside, United do appear to be making progress under Erik ten Hag, though Dalot accepts they are not where they want to be yet.

"I think we still have a lot of time and space to improve," he said. "But the games are coming fast so we have to be prepared each game for different kinds of things that the manager can ask for us.

"But overall, I think we are reacting well to what he has been asking – especially after the pre-season, where we had a lot of information coming to us."

United are next in action on Sunday when they face Newcastle United at Old Trafford.

Joao Felix is increasingly frustrated with life at Atletico Madrid after dropping out of the starting XI in recent games.

The 22-year-old Portuguese is yet to score for the side in LaLiga or the Champions League this season and was an unused substitute in the midweek 0-0 draw with Club Brugge.

Atleti boss Diego Simeone has preferred Antoine Griezmann, Alvaro Morata, Matheus Cunha and Angel Correa in attack recently.

 

TOP STORY – JOAO FELIX WANTS ATLETICO EXIT

Joao Felix has requested to leave Atletico Madrid in January, reports Fichajes.

The forward is frustrated that he has been used sparingly, largely outside the starting XI this term.

Joao Felix's contract runs until 2026 and it will likely require a hefty fee to sign him from Atleti, who paid €126 million for him in 2019.

Relevo claims that Atleti are not considering selling the Portuguese any time soon.

 

ROUND-UP

– ​ Frenkie de Jong is growing frustrated at his lack of first-team opportunities at Barcelona and will look to exit the club in January should the situation not improve, claims SPORT. De Jong was at the centre of a drawn-out off-season saga, amid links to Manchester United.

Granit Xhaka will earn a contract extension at Arsenal, reports Football Insider. Xhaka, who is out of contract in 2024, has been in top form this term and will be rewarded after the World Cup.

Chelsea have an interest in RB Leipzig's Austria international midfielder Konrad Laimer, reports Bild. Laimer is out of contract at the end of this season and the Blues will look to sign him for free if he is not sold in January.

Chelsea along with Arsenal are now also keen on pursuing Rennes winger Jeremy Doku, claims Fichajes. The 20-year-old is already being chased by Liverpool, Napoli and Juventus.

– Bild also claims Chelsea are monitoring versatile Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard.

– The Telegraph reports Thomas Tuchel is interested in the England managerial role should Gareth Southgate depart after this year's World Cup. The German has reportedly declined two Premier League jobs since leaving Chelsea last month.

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag hopes his players are "saving goals for next week" after a dismal display of finishing during their 1-0 Europa League win over Omonia Nicosia on Thursday.

Scott McTominay scored with United's 34th shot of the game in the third minute of stoppage time, becoming the first substitute to score a winning goal after the 90th minute in a European match for the Red Devils since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's iconic goal in the 1999 Champions League final.

It followed a particularly wasteful performance from Marcus Rashford, who failed to find the back of the net with a whopping 10 shots.

Ten Hag was not overly concerned by United's profligacy and expects his side to start scoring more regularly soon. 

Asked if winning was the main thing, Ten Hag told BT Sport: "No, it's not, because football is about scoring goals.

"We created so many chances but we only hit the back of the net once. The team are patient, they kept creating and then they scored.

"I have no concern because in every game we score. I have the faith we will continue with that. Hopefully we're saving the goals for next week.

"We said at half-time we need to keep the focus. When you play against a defensively compact opponent and you don't score, you get impatient. You can get sloppy and lose you the ball and then they break.

"I have a preference to score more and earlier because it makes it easier. We still have two games to go and we go game to game."

McTominay's goal was his first in Europe for United since February 2020 against Club Brugge, and the Scotland international was pleased with his team-mates' patience against stubborn opponents.

"We knew we needed the win tonight but that they'd be fired up too," he said.

"Neil Lennon is a great coach and no games like this are ever easy. Everyone is pleased with the result.

"You have to be patient sometimes. Rashford had so many chances and we did everything but score. Their goalkeeper was a different class but we created enough chances and deserved to score in the end.

"I wasn't on the pitch for the majority of the game but sometimes you think it's not going to be your day. The team spirit is good though and no one ever gives up.

"It's a massive goal because we need to win the group."

United are next in action on Sunday when they host Newcastle United in the Premier League. 

Scott McTominay's stoppage-time strike spared Marcus Rashford's blushes as Manchester United toiled to a 1-0 Europa League win over Omonia Nicosia at Old Trafford on Thursday.

Rashford, who is United's top scorer this season, had a whopping 10 shots, but a combination of wasteful finishing and fine goalkeeping from Francis Uzoho denied the Red Devils forward.

Substitute McTominay stepped up three minutes into added time to get his team-mate out of jail, though, as United sealed a third consecutive Group E win despite a listless performance in front of goal.

The result means Erik ten Hag's side only need a point from their final two group games against Sheriff and Real Sociedad to book their spot in the knockout stages.

Rashford saw a whipped effort tipped over by Uzoho inside two minutes, while the Omonia goalkeeper raced off his line to again deny the United forward midway through the first half.

Uzoho tipped a long-range Rashford strike wide as United continued to dominate, before Casemiro thundered a 25-yard effort against the crossbar.

United went in at the break having had a whopping 14 shots, yet they could have been behind had Bruno squared to Andronikos Kakoullis instead of blazing over from a tight angle following a swift counter-attack.   

Uzoho picked up where he left off after the interval, producing a double save to deny Antony and Rashford, before the latter wastefully steered wide when clean through. 

The Omonia goalkeeper produced further smart stops to keep out Ronaldo and McTominay, but the Scotland international powered home from close range at the death to deny the Cypriot side a famous point.

Manchester United's Antony is "really grateful" to Cristiano Ronaldo for taking him under his wing since his arrival at Old Trafford.

With his goal in last Sunday's 2-1 win at Everton, Antony became the first player to score in his first three Premier League appearances for United.

Ronaldo also scored his 700th career club goal in that contest at Goodison Park, as Erik ten Hag's side made it seven victories in their past nine fixtures in all competitions.

Antony has impressed since signing from Ajax in September and says he is very thankful for the help Ronaldo has given him and his fellow young players.

"Since I arrived here, Cristiano Ronaldo has really helped me feel at ease," Antony told United's official website. "He speaks to me a lot, on matchdays as well.

"He always tells me to be calm and confident. He's achieved so much in football and I learn from him every day.

"I'm really grateful to have such an experienced person teaching us young players every day."

Antony, who joined from Ajax in the close season for a deal potentially rising to €98.6million (£85m), has three goals in six appearances overall for United.

When asked what he found most impressive about Ronaldo, Antony replied: "His mentality, it's so strong. He's very intelligent.

"This mentality of his, looking to the next day, everything still to play for, it's what I'm trying to take on board and keep for the rest of my life."

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag hailed Cristiano Ronaldo's "phenomenal" record of scoring 700 club goals and joked "not many players even achieve 700 games".

Ronaldo hit the latest milestone in his remarkable career with the winning strike in last Sunday's 2-1 win at Everton after being introduced from the substitutes' bench.

The Portugal forward has endured a frustrating time of things under Ten Hag, having so far started just one of United's eight Premier League matches under the Dutchman.

But ahead of facing Omonia Nicosia in the Europa League on Thursday – a match Ronaldo looks set to start – Ten Hag lauded the superstar forward's goalscoring longevity.

"It's phenomenal. Football is [about the] team and we express this in a way," Ten Hag told United's official website. 

"I think Cristiano, he knows we can't do it without the team but I must say it's a huge individual performance. If you achieve this, it's incredible. 

"Seven hundred club goals. Not many players even achieve 700 games, and he scored 700 goals. I'm really happy for him. I really want to tell you that and I congratulate him."

Of those 700 goals scored by Ronaldo, five came for Sporting CP, 118 in his first spell at United, 450 with Real Madrid, 101 at Juventus and 26 in his second stint at Old Trafford.

The 37-year-old will be looking to add to that tally against Cypriot side Omonia as United aim to avoid an unwanted first.

They have lost their past two home European matches, against Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad – never before have they lost three in a row, with this their 198th game.

United recovered to beat Omonia 3-2 last week and are second in Group E at the midway stage, three points ahead of Sheriff and three behind leaders Real Sociedad.

"It's another important game for us," Ten Hag said. "We want to be first in the group. We are three points behind Sociedad and so we have to win. 

"That is the first [target], and we have to score goals, that is the second [target]. So we have to prepare for the game properly because we are playing against a tough opponent. 

"They will be ambitious and they will be fighting so they are well organised. It's not easy to score goals. We had that experience last week, so we have to be good."

Real Madrid had a drawn-out pursuit of Kylian Mbappe earlier this year but ultimately missed out on the France forward.

Mbappe opted to sign a lucrative contract extension with Paris Saint-Germain in May, tying him to the Parisians until 2025.

But earlier this week, Fabrizio Romano reported the situation between PSG and Mbappe had got tense, with the player keen to depart.

 

TOP STORY – MADRID MOVE ON FROM MBAPPE AMID TRANSFER TWIST

Marca claims that Real Madrid are no longer have interest in signing Mbappe amid reports that he is unsettled at PSG and wants to leave.

The report claims that Los Blancos are observing the situation from afar with no desire to participate in the latest drama.

Romano also said PSG had no intention of selling Mbappe in January amid the speculation he wanted out. PSG director Luis Campos denied the report on Tuesday.

ROUND-UP

Bayern Munich will turn to Borussia Monchengladbach forward Marcus Thuram should they fail to land Tottenham's Harry Kane , reports TZ. Thuram's Gladbach deal ends at the end of this season.

– Sky Sport's Florian Plettenberg reports that Toni Kroos and Real Madrid are set to commence talks on a new deal running until 2024, with his currently deal expiring at season's end.

Barcelona will try to lure Chelsea pair N'Golo Kante and Jorginho to Camp Nou as free agents at the end of this season, claims the Evening Standard. The Blues are currently trying to convince both to re-sign.

– 90min claims Manchester City have told Bayern Munich and Inter that defender Nathan Ake is not for sale in January, following speculation about their interest.

West Ham have joined Roma and Manchester United in pursuing a deal for Sassuolo midfielder Davide Frattesi, according to Calciomercato.

– Football Insider reports Brentford have commenced discussions with England international striker Ivan Toney on a new deal, with Tottenham linked to him.

Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof believes increased competition for places is helping to improve the Red Devils' fortunes.

Lindelof missed United's poor start to the season with injury but has since fought his way back into the defence, starting the past two matches alongside Lisandro Martinez, who recently signed from Ajax.

Martinez was brought in to bolster a backline that includes the likes of Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane, both of whom have featured this season alongside the Argentina international, who is the only centre-back to have started every league game so far this campaign.

United have improved of late, winning seven of their past nine fixtures in all competitions, and Lindelof believes a battle for places partly explains their upturn in form.

"Obviously, I had a tough start to the season," Lindelof told reporters ahead of Thursday's Europa League tie with Omonia Nicosia. 

"But it's always very important for this team to have good players in the squad and competition for places.

"It's not a problem for me. I am always available if the manager needs me and if I have the opportunity, I will do my best.

"I always want to push myself and play games. I think everyone in the squad wants that."

Lindelof also credits new manager Erik ten Hag for the recent developments in his own game, adding: "The way he wants to play suits me.

"He's demanding a lot from us, how we control the game from the back and start the build-up.

"Hopefully I can keep improving a lot under him."

Cristiano Ronaldo will not accept his Football Association (FA) charge for throwing an Everton supporter's phone, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has said.

A video emerged on social media of United forward Ronaldo appearing to smash a fan's phone as he left the field after Everton's 1-0 Premier League win in April.

The Portugal captain was questioned by Merseyside Police in relation to an alleged assault and criminal damage and received a caution in August.

The FA last month charged the 37-year-old for breaching Rule E3, which relates to "improper and/or violent conduct", but the case now looks set to proceed to a hearing.

Asked if Ronaldo accepts the charge, Ten Hag told reporters on Wednesday: "We have talked about that. He will not accept it."

Ronaldo issued an apology on Instagram at the time, stating: "It's never easy to deal with emotions in difficult moments such as the one we are facing.

"Nevertheless, we always have to be respectful, patient and set the example for all the youngsters who love the beautiful game.

"I would like to apologise for my outburst and, if possible, I would like to invite this supporter to watch a game at Old Trafford as a sign of fair-play and sportsmanship."

Ronaldo has endured a disappointing time of things on the field for United this season, having started just one of their opening eight Premier League matches.

However, he scored his second goal of the campaign in all competitions in Sunday's 2-1 win at Everton after being introduced from the substitutes' bench in the first half.

And Ten Hag is pleased with the way the superstar forward has gone about returning to top fitness after missing almost the entirety of United's pre-season for personal reasons.

"I want to support him as good as possible," Ten Hag said at a pre-match news conference ahead of Thursday's Europa League group-stage match with Omonia Nicosia. 

"We have certain demands from players, what we expect in certain positions. I want to get the best out of him and he's in better shape now and can contribute more."

Asked if a lack of fitness is the reason Ronaldo has not started more occasionally this season, Ten Hag said: "At the start that was the case. 

"It's proven once again that no one can miss a pre-season."

Ronaldo was brought on against Everton after Anthony Martial sustained another injury, with the forward yet to return to training as of Thursday.

"I've had several talks with him and I'm really disappointed for him," Ten Hag said. "We'll see how he develops ahead of Sunday [against Newcastle United]."

Ten Hag also confirmed Harry Maguire is still absent, while Donny van De Beek and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are "longer-term" absentees.

United beat Omonia 3-2 in Cyprus last week and are second in Group E, three points ahead of Sheriff and three behind leaders Real Sociedad.

Ten Hag's side face a gruelling run of fixtures on the domestic and European front, but the Dutchman says it is important his side seal top spot in their group.

"I told the players weeks ago, before the break, it was important to win the group," he said. "We want to win all the games. It's clear, we want to avoid [finishing second].

"I think all the clubs that play in Europe have the same problem. We have a squad to cover that. Injuries and suspensions will happen, but you have to deal with it as a squad."

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